2010 Volkswagen GTI vs. 1970 Ford Escort
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1970 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 571 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Ford Escort is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1970 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen GTI, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2010 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort. 1970 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 2010 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2010 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Volkswagen GTI | 1970 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | GTI | Escort |
| Year Released | 2010 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1376 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4211 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1468 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2400 mm |
